Innovation Forum at PIC
Combined Universities in Cornwall press release
On Tuesday 22 June 2010, members of the Cornwall Innovators' Forum were invited to a Breakfast Meeting entitled 'Innovation Matters'- featuring the highly regarded guest speaker Professor John Bessant. The event was hosted by Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC) at the brand new Pool Innovation Centre in Pool, Redruth.
Professor Bessant is a leading expert and consultant in innovation, having been active in the field of research and consultancy in technology and innovation management for over 25 years. He has acted as advisor to various national governments and international bodies and is a regular speaker at corporate events, conferences and centres such as Cranfield, the Irish Management Institute and the Scandinavian Management Institute. He is the author of 15 books and many articles and has lectured and consulted widely around the world.
Professor Bessant explained to the audience of local entrepreneurs and business people that unless organisations change what they offer and the ways they create and deliver it, there is a real risk that they won't survive- especially in today's harsh economic climate where standing still is not an option.
He suggested that recognising the need for innovation is only part of the challenge - and the real question is how to organise and manage the process. This included looking at how organisations can create the conditions which enable a steady stream of innovation to happen and to make sure these changes contribute to building and sustaining competitive advantage. This session also explored different types of innovation and reminded us that it's just as much about continuous improvement and experiential learning as it is about totally new development, not to be confused with invention. The session presented some key lessons around managing innovation and highlighted some key management actions to improve innovation fitness.
After the presentation the group was treated to an exclusive tour of the Pool Innovation Centre (PIC) which will be officially opened in July 2010. PIC is the first of its kind in Cornwall, a pioneering development using innovation to grow businesses and providing business incubation space for both existing and start-up companies. To find out more visit http://www.poolinnovationcentre.co.uk
